calling New York City Dwellers

FIRST I hope ur all back online, and safe. NJ and New York are in my fervent prayers. I am wondering if new York is safe to travel to for a woman alone. I can take the bus into Central station then cab to hotel. But what hotel? Is everything working? My city had 1 watermain break yesterday and it shut down water in all city now we must boil water another couple days for toothbrushing and pets etc or just used bottle water. So I cannot imagine when or if Atlantic city rises again-we are not getting enough coverage really on reg stations. Hows everyone doing?

I want to go to NYC because I need a respite and it has theatre, music, etc. The holidays are very hard for many- So I wonder...is the city back up, dredged out and functioning? I also want to know where/what hotel or area is safe for a woman with a cane alone. So many hotels, there should be deals right now as many want to avoid NYC. Are there any suggestions from New Yorkers? It seems heyand and Olympia and a few others are new yorkers?

I would like to be central, not far from theatre district of lincoln center. I will see what I can find a tix too. This will require packing uber light and knowing where I will be safe-looking for a bargain-a clean 2star hotel in safe area

If you have any ideas on how I can visit the city soon-or is it a good idea at this holiday season. I would take subway if not too long and concierge/desk gave explicit help. Are cab rides outrageous? What is a 20 minute ride cost for example?

This may be a terrible year but Boston hotels are very expensive-it seemsNYC would have so many more options given its pop of 10 million and the city with hugest tourism in US.

Manhatten is up and running and Times Square had very little impact from Sandy. It's the more extreme residential areas that were more impacted and it doesn't seem as though you're headed to lower Manhatten

As far as cabs, part of the cost is dependent upon traffic. If you get stuck in traffic, the cost goes up. If you entering via Grand Central and going to Times Square area, you can take the 7 or S subway from GCT to Times Square. There are elevators, but the end result is also having to walk a more circuitous route. The walk itself is a minimum of 3 long blocks west - depends on your hotel location, etc.

THis is actually entering the busy season in NYC. Lots of tourists going to shows and shopping, etc. The cheapest time to go to NYC is post holidays in January/February. that's when you get the best deals. Regardless of Sandy, the prices will not go down for the holidays.

As with any city, your safety is largely your own responsibility. You don't carry things where they can be easily snatched or picked (i.e. small purse, under a closed coat. if you can't use a small purse, make sure it's zippered and carry it close to your body. If the street looks dark and quiet with very few people, consider another route.

Lincoln Center to GCT isn't as short a walk as comapred to Times Square. Personally, I typically go for minimum 3 star in the city - 2 star would be small and not as clean as I would prefer. 3 stars won't get you a big room, but it'll be clean.

The only two things I know about New York during this season is that it is expensive and that it is packed with people. Lots of sidewalk congestion. Heyang's tips are very informative. (I think I'll follow her advice myself!) Her expertise is many rungs above mine; I have nothing to add.

Thanks so much Heyang...Imight as well do some searches of 3star hotels to see what is available-if you have any names you have stayed in...it will be worth the credit card debt to see the tree and skating at Rockerfeller Center and I imagine one of the Baleet Companies must be doing a seasonal Nutcracker. Boston Ballet has all new sets, costumes etc and I doubt it is any less for average seats than in NYC.

And thank you also Olympia-you seem like a New Yorker - or a visitor with your love and devotion to great classical music. I am happy to hear that upper Manhattan is fine and I hope lower Manhattan is great too. We have so many disasters-the TV coverage just moves on...thank God for internet news as the eve news is filled with gosip about private lives of Generals that is nreally no ones business. Tabloid evening news is here to stay.

Well, I will look and tell you the prices. Trip advisor is a good site but large and unweildy to use. I never find any great prices looking on Expedia etc, but I would never book a hotel without knowingb where it was. I just cannot be adventurous to that extreme like well people can traveling with companion. My knees are never going to get better, and there must be something I can afford. New York is so fun at Holidays. It would be either very brave of me or foolish to attempt it. I am both brave and foolish, so we shall see. Thanks again Heyang.